Technology-Enabled Learning at Sayre

At Sayre, we are committed to providing an exceptional education that prepares students for a rapidly changing world. One way we do this is by integrating technology into every aspect of our curriculum. 

We believe in using technology to enhance the educational experience without letting it overshadow the foundational skills of inquiry, curiosity, and personal connection that are so central to our community. In fact, we harness technology to nurture collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in school and beyond.

How technology benefits students

Technology is used in nearly every profession today, from a physician reading digital X-rays, to an engineer developing building schematics, to a biologist creating a 3D model of a virus. 

Educational technology acts in much the same way by giving students access to information and sophisticated tools for design and creation. Key benefits include: 

• Increased access: Technology connects students to a vast array of resources, such as ebooks, online learning tutorials, video, and audio. 
• Improved student engagement: Interactive tools keep students engaged, interested, and focused, leading to better learning outcomes.
• Enhanced critical thinking: Digital learning tools help improve critical thinking, the foundation for analytic reasoning. Interactive simulations and games help students understand cause and effect, while augmented reality helps them understand complex systems. 
• Improved communication: Technology broadens opportunities for communication and collaboration, breaking down the traditional isolation of classrooms. Students can connect with experts worldwide and collaborate on projects with peers across distances.

Technology at Sayre

At Sayre, students in the Lower School have access to a shared set of iPads, while each student in the Middle School receives their own iPad as part of tuition. In the Upper School, each family purchases a laptop for their student with guidance from the school. Next year, US students will be allowed to select an iPad instead of a laptop, with a few caveats. 

Our technology curriculum promotes progressive development of skills. In the early years, we use educational games, augmented and virtual reality, and simple online learning platforms. As students get older, they transition to more sophisticated tools such as research databases, coding platforms, and 3D modeling software.

Our goal is to cultivate adaptable, lifelong learners by equipping students with a deep understanding of how technology works and how to use it effectively. We use digital tools to:

• enable collaboration 
• promote creativity
• create personalized learning opportunities
• enrich curriculum
• encourage responsible digital citizenship 
• prepare students for the future

Tools for collaboration 

Collaboration is at the heart of our learning philosophy, and technology helps make it possible. Digital tools enable students to collaborate in real time, both within and outside of the classroom. 

For example, students often work together on projects using cloud-based applications like Google Workspace, which allows them to co-author documents, share feedback, and refine their ideas as a team.

Tools for creativity

In addition, we encourage self-expression through software such as Tinkercad, a web-based, user-friendly platform for 3D design; and Adobe Creative Cloud, a collection of software applications for graphic design, video editing, photography, and more. While creating multimedia presentations, editing videos, and designing digital artwork, students are building skills for the future.

Personalized learning 

One of the most exciting aspects of educational technology is its support of personalized learning. Our adaptive learning platforms provide students with immediate feedback, allowing them to track their progress and focus on areas where they need additional help. 

The role of teachers

Our faculty are rigorously trained to use technology in ways that deepen learning, promote collaboration, and encourage critical thinking.

For instance, in a history class, students might use digital archives and databases to conduct research, while in a science class, they may use simulations to visualize complex biological processes. These tools help our teachers create dynamic, interactive lessons that bring the subject matter to life and give students a hands-on understanding of the concepts they are studying.

Digital citizenship

At Sayre, we emphasize the importance of digital citizenship. Our faculty teach students how to navigate the online world responsibly, encouraging ethical behavior, respect for others, and attention to privacy principles. By focusing on responsible technology use, we help our students become informed, thoughtful digital citizens ready to engage with the world both online and offline.

Preparing students for the future

At Sayre, we want every graduate to be prepared to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

Whether through robotics clubs, coding electives, or technology-enhanced extracurricular activities, we give students ample opportunities to engage with technology in meaningful ways. We are committed to providing the most up-to-date technology possible, enabling each student to explore new ideas, solve complex problems, and prepare for the future.

Technology helps our students think critically, collaborate creatively, and solve problems in innovative ways, all while supporting our broader goal of nurturing curious, independent thinkers. As we look to the future, we remain committed to using technology to empower our students and ensure they are well-prepared for whatever challenges and opportunities lie ahead.